Town twinning projects 2009 supported by the European union for the 20th year

The Town-twinning concept has been created in Europe shortly after the Second World War. The idea is to bring together municipalities throughout Europe. This aims at linking citizens in Europe and creating a kind of network.

Twinning provides the opportunity to find out more about the daily lives of citizens in other European countries, to talk to them and exchange experiences, and to develop joint projects on issues of common interest, such as local integration, the environment, economic development and cultural diversity.
Town-twinning is characterised by large citizens’ involvement and can therefore make an important contribution towards the development of European citizenship. Following a resolution of the European Parliament, the Commission started a town twinning action in 1989, which currently is part of the Europe for Citizens Programme.
The European Commission is looking for testimonies of people involved in town twinning projects supported by the European Commission in 1989 and with activities still running today. If you wish to share your experience with us, please contact Stéphanie Demart at the following email address: stephanie.demart@ec.europa.eu
This 20th anniversary will be in part celebrated during the General Assembly of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions next 22-24 April in Malmö in Sweden. It will be the occasion for more than 1200 local and regional representatives to debate on how can local and regional governments prepare for today and tomorrow's challenges.